"Second Chances"

Pub. 2001

Review by Kate Pemberton

I became utterly absorbed in this novel. The detail in the description is amazing, both in terms of the rapidly changing and realistically contradictory emotions of the central characters, and in terms of the vividly conjured backdrop of Cape Cod, its landscape and its wildlife. Lance Lee gets deep inside the minds of his characters - refusing to simplify their thoughts and feelings. He adopts different language and style depending on which character he is following, a risky technique which pays off because he sees it through consistently. All the decisions and indecisions of love and commitment are examined here, and although the book visits some very dark places, ultimately it is a joyful affirmation of life.